How to avoid losing money to ‘utility company’ imposter scam

When the phone rings and the caller threatens to shut off your electric, natural gas or water service in just a few minutes because of an unpaid bill, you pay attention. That’s why telephone fraudsters impersonate utility employees — they can rush you into taking action before you have a chance to think about it.

Never pay over the phone in response to a call, especially when you’re threatened with a service disconnection if you don’t pay immediately. A utility will never do that. If you’re getting pressured, hang up and call the customer service number on your utility bill — this will ensure you’re speaking to a real utility employee.